Disneyland and Disney World lay off 28,000 employees amid pandemic struggles - OCR/SCNG

[Lilofan]

I imagine that a very large portion of the in park cast members are among those numbers, simply because the parks are closed (meaning there aren't jobs for them at the moment at all), and when they reopen they will be at reduced capacity on everything, meaning less workers that are needed- or even allowed in some places, and thus still no jobs for many of them.

Knowing that it is likely to be a long time before they can fully reopen to full capacity again, and a good chance it may be even longer before those numbers actually do come back, it's a cut that sucks but that they have to make.

Eventually those jobs will be opened up again and rehiring done, but it's going to be a long ways off, and more than likely many if not most of those workers will have moved on to other jobs

Moved on to other jobs.. Or moved to TX which a number from CA are doing.

 

[GimpYancIent]

The props and tracks would be moved for any ride, buildings would stay. Six Flags moves their giant roller coasters around all the time.

Now people are talking! VEGAS BABY! The imagination can be limitless if the mouse adjoins Vegas.

 

[el_super]

The props and tracks would be moved for any ride, buildings would stay. Six Flags moves their giant roller coasters around all the time.

Some large items like props, animatronics, projectors and ride vehicles could be moved. Indy specifically though had an immense amount of custom rock work basically built in place (the caves thru the queue and set) that would be incredibly expensive to replicate elsewhere and couldn't be moved. It was so expensive, they balked at recreating it anywhere else and even the other two iterations of the ride (Dinosaur at AK and Indy in Tokyo) were missing most of the caves.

But yeah, if you look at it only as a number of buildings and pieces being moved around it might make sense, but in the larger scope it doesn't. It wouldn't make sense to build another Disney resort in the US, and quite frankly Disneyland was made obsolete when Walt Disney World was built. If they do decide to built another Disney resort somewhere, it will be overseas, and the cost to move props and equipment to a foreign country is usually not worth the effort.

 

[mickEblu]

Is it just me or is this conversation about Disneyland moving incredibly depressing (and crazy). I would like for it to end. This is not the convo 2020 needs.

 

[lazyboy97o]

The props and tracks would be moved for any ride, buildings would stay. Six Flags moves their giant roller coasters around all the time.

Let's also remember that Indiana Jones Adventure was built and tested entirely in Valencia before being dismantled and moved to Disneyland.

Buildings can be moved. The problem is that moving even show sets you still need to get it all approved and permitted. Some of the way things were done would not pass muster, even if it is just Disney's own internal safety standards. Doing something again quickly in a different jurisdiction requires a lot more work than people think (see TRON and Ratatouille); doing so decades after the fact and you're practically starting fresh.

 

[SplashGhost]

The props and tracks would be moved for any ride, buildings would stay. Six Flags moves their giant roller coasters around all the time.

Let's also remember that Indiana Jones Adventure was built and tested entirely in Valencia before being dismantled and moved to Disneyland.

Six Flags doesn't move coasters around as much as they used to. Moving them around definitely does add wear and tear to the track.

That said, the main cost of most Disney attractions is all the extensive theming, and a lot of that cannot be easily moved.

 

[Mac Tonight]

But yeah, if you look at it only as a number of buildings and pieces being moved around it might make sense, but in the larger scope it doesn't. It wouldn't make sense to build another Disney resort in the US, and quite frankly Disneyland was made obsolete when Walt Disney World was built. If they do decide to built another Disney resort somewhere, it will be overseas, and the cost to move props and equipment to a foreign country is usually not worth the effort.

 

[el_super]

Uh yeah... Disneyland does about 1/10 of the revenue of Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom has dominated the attendance numbers since 1971. Disneyland does a fair amount of business as a locals park, and obviously there is a lot of historical value in keeping it, but their financial focus has been on Walt Disney World since it opened, and it's doubtful they would ever want to build another resort in the US that would be in direct competition to WDW.

That said, yeah Disneyland is by far better than any Florida park.

 

[Lilofan]

Uh yeah... Disneyland does about 1/10 of the revenue of Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom has dominated the attendance numbers since 1971. Disneyland does a fair amount of business as a locals park, and obviously there is a lot of historical value in keeping it, but their financial focus has been on Walt Disney World since it opened, and it's doubtful they would ever want to build another resort in the US that would be in direct competition to WDW.

That said, yeah Disneyland is by far better than any Florida park.

My family has been to both CA and FL. They would strongly beg to differ. The one plus of CA parks is the beautiful weather year round.

 

[DavidDL]

Uh yeah... Disneyland does about 1/10 of the revenue of Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom has dominated the attendance numbers since 1971. Disneyland does a fair amount of business as a locals park, and obviously there is a lot of historical value in keeping it, but their financial focus has been on Walt Disney World since it opened, and it's doubtful they would ever want to build another resort in the US that would be in direct competition to WDW.

That said, yeah Disneyland is by far better than any Florida park.

While I certainly don't doubt WDW makes much more than DLR, I'd be curious to see the numbers. I tried to do some digging but since I'm at work, I didn't have time to find anything too detailed. It seems like most of the time Disney reports it's park(s) earnings, they're all lumped together in some kind of "Disney Parks and Experiences" sum total without specifics. Though the reports I read did say that North American parks account for most of that (likely WDW over DLR).

The average attendance for 2019 at WDW was somewhere around 58,718,000 (all parks combined) and the same year DLR had 28,527,000 (again, both parks combined). Roughly half the attendance and roughly half the parks, makes sense to me. Also says to me that DLR is pulling it's weight. Disneyland beats out AK, HS and EP on the regular in terms of attendance (though likely not in terms of combined revenue).

While I don't have access to specific numbers earned from both coasts (again, WDW obviously makes more with more parks and experiences in general), DLR is still pulling it's weight in numbers and as the second most visited theme park in North America (beaten only by MK) I don't think it deserves to be considered "obsolete". Yeah, maybe it admittedly doesn't make as much money as the combined Florida parks but it probably makes a comparable amount relative to its size if the attendance numbers are anything to go off of. People are willing to go there and spend the money and max out the space, and even more would come if two more parks opened. WDW has that going for it while DLR doesn't. But again, not "obsolete". I don't think anyone higher up in TWDC would agree with that statement.

But I will personally agree that, yes, I also believe it to be better than the Florida parks. I love the Florida parks and there are things about them I do enjoy more than some things we have here but everything is so spread out that it feels thin at times. Meanwhile here in DL, they're trying to pack more quality over quantity into a smaller space because that's what they need to do. They don't as much luxury when it comes to space in SoCal.

 

[Mac Tonight]

Here are the TEA/AECOM figures from 2019. Disneyland did have a 2 million attendance figure lower than MK (remember the SWL summer of blunder? Ahora!), but that still made it the #2 theme park in the world. Far from "obsolete" despite was some people would like you to think.

 

[GimpYancIent]

While I certainly don't doubt WDW makes much more than DLR, I'd be curious to see the numbers. I tried to do some digging but since I'm at work, I didn't have time to find anything too detailed. It seems like most of the time Disney reports it's park(s) earnings, they're all lumped together in some kind of "Disney Parks and Experiences" sum total without specifics. Though the reports I read did say that North American parks account for most of that (likely WDW over DLR).

The average attendance for 2019 at WDW was somewhere around 58,718,000 (all parks combined) and the same year DLR had 28,527,000 (again, both parks combined). Roughly half the attendance and roughly half the parks, makes sense to me. Also says to me that DLR is pulling it's weight. Disneyland beats out AK, HS and EP on the regular in terms of attendance (though likely not in terms of combined revenue).

While I don't have access to specific numbers earned from both coasts (again, WDW obviously makes more with more parks and experiences in general), DLR is still pulling it's weight in numbers and as the second most visited theme park in North America (beaten only by MK) I don't think it deserves to be considered "obsolete". Yeah, maybe it admittedly doesn't make as much money as the combined Florida parks but it probably makes a comparable amount relative to its size if the attendance numbers are anything to go off of. People are willing to go there and spend the money and max out the space, and even more would come if two more parks opened. WDW has that going for it while DLR doesn't. But again, not "obsolete". I don't think anyone higher up in TWDC would agree with that statement.

But I will personally agree that, yes, I also believe it to be better than the Florida parks. I love the Florida parks and there are things about them I do enjoy more than some things we have here but everything is so spread out that it feels thin at times. Meanwhile here in DL, they're trying to pack more quality over quantity into a smaller space because that's what they need to do. They don't as much luxury when it comes to space in SoCal.

Been to, hung out at, sight saw etc. at both Fla and Cali. Weather did not tip the scale either way. WDW was more spacious while having what DL has plus. I enjoy (before all this virtual crap) running and run Disney was cramped at DL for anything more than a 5K. The best DL could do is 4Mi and then its running in the streets of Anaheim. DL is the original and that makes it special but other than that NO. As far as I am concerned WDW is the way to go.

 

[el_super]

While I certainly don't doubt WDW makes much more than DLR, I'd be curious to see the numbers. I tried to do some digging but since I'm at work, I didn't have time to find anything too detailed.

I can't find anything public worth citing, but will also note that the 10% figure is extremely old, and that it has fluctuated over the years. Sometimes between 15-20% of Parks and Resorts revenue.

The key to understanding the difference isn't attendance. It's hotel rooms.

 

[DavidDL]

I know that Disney World has some incredible food options but I feel like I generally prefer the "in-park" food at Disneyland. They'd really come a long way over the years at making each location something unique and yummy, so much so that I have a hard time choosing just one or two to enjoy for the day while I'm there.

I think for Disneyland, it's an issue of something they had to do. Why would park-goers want to pay Disney prices for the same crappy burger and fries at multiple locations when there's a McDonalds (-and lots of other options) in literal walking distance? So they upped their food game. In general (again, I know there are exceptions) I felt the same couldn't be said for our in-park experiences in WDW. Once you're in one of those parks, they know they've got you locked in. Subjected to whatever they want to put on the menu, unless you want to take the long ride out of the park to a better place to eat which will cost you time.

I've heard WDW hotels have a lot of excellent dining options. -and of course plenty of places in Epcot (even if they're very expensive). But for the most part, I was un-impressed with WDW's quick service options.

One major fear I have when and if Disneyland does re-open, is the slashed budget they might have for food to try and save money. I sure hope the offerings don't suffer or revert back too many years.

 

[mickEblu]

Here are the TEA/AECOM figures from 2019. Disneyland did have a 2 million attendance figure lower than MK (remember the SWL summer of blunder? Ahora!), but that still made it the #2 theme park in the world. Far from "obsolete" despite was some people would like you to think.

View attachment 503287

In addition, I have to wonder if Disneyland produces a higher net profit than WDW due to the size of WDW and how many employees etc it takes to run everything there.

 

[mickEblu]

I know that Disney World has some incredible food options but I feel like I generally prefer the "in-park" food at Disneyland. They'd really come a long way over the years at making each location something unique and yummy, so much so that I have a hard time choosing just one or two to enjoy for the day while I'm there.

I think for Disneyland, it's an issue of something they had to do. Why would park-goers want to pay Disney prices for the same crappy burger and fries at multiple locations when there's a McDonalds (-and lots of other options) in literal walking distance? So they upped their food game. In general (again, I know there are exceptions) I felt the same couldn't be said for our in-park experiences in WDW. Once you're in one of those parks, they know they've got you locked in. Subjected to whatever they want to put on the menu, unless you want to take the long ride out of the park to a better place to eat which will cost you time.

I've heard WDW hotels have a lot of excellent dining options. -and of course plenty of places in Epcot (even if they're very expensive). But for the most part, I was un-impressed with WDW's quick service options.

One major fear I have when and if Disneyland does re-open, is the slashed budget they might have for food to try and save money. I sure hope the offerings don't suffer or revert back too many years.

This and the demo consisting of so many locals that want variety as well. Also Disney catering to them to get that per visit spending up. They don’t want locals, who are already getting a lot of value out of those passes, bringing sandwiches to the park.

 

[cmwade77]

This and the demo consisting of so many locals that want variety as well. Also Disney catering to them to get that per visit spending up. They don’t want locals, who are already getting a lot of value out of those passes, bringing sandwiches to the park.

And overall, the locals don't, that is the issue they are facing in Florida is locals there don't tend to spend much money in the parks. Out here it is quite a bit different, locals tend to spend a fair amount of money on both food and merchandise (and not just to resell it). Of course there are outliers on both coasts, but this is the overall trends and as such, Disney does tend to have a much higher profit margin out here by all accounts.

 

[Mac Tonight]

I love that this has now morphed into a “Which has better food: DL or WDW?” discussion.

 

[mickEblu]

And overall, the locals don't, that is the issue they are facing in Florida is locals there don't tend to spend much money in the parks. Out here it is quite a bit different, locals tend to spend a fair amount of money on both food and merchandise (and not just to resell it). Of course there are outliers on both coasts, but this is the overall trends and as such, Disney does tend to have a much higher profit margin out here by all accounts.

Between food, merch and the rare hotel stay, I definitely did my fair share of spending at DLR as an AP.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I know that Disney World has some incredible food options but I feel like I generally prefer the "in-park" food at Disneyland. They'd really come a long way over the years at making each location something unique and yummy, so much so that I have a hard time choosing just one or two to enjoy for the day while I'm there.

I think for Disneyland, it's an issue of something they had to do. Why would park-goers want to pay Disney prices for the same crappy burger and fries at multiple locations when there's a McDonalds (-and lots of other options) in literal walking distance? So they upped their food game. In general (again, I know there are exceptions) I felt the same couldn't be said for our in-park experiences in WDW. Once you're in one of those parks, they know they've got you locked in. Subjected to whatever they want to put on the menu, unless you want to take the long ride out of the park to a better place to eat which will cost you time.

I've heard WDW hotels have a lot of excellent dining options. -and of course plenty of places in Epcot (even if they're very expensive). But for the most part, I was un-impressed with WDW's quick service options.

One major fear I have when and if Disneyland does re-open, is the slashed budget they might have for food to try and save money. I sure hope the offerings don't suffer or revert back too many years.

This is such a strange complaint to me. We do WDW for eight nights on most trips and we usually have, at most, one burger and fries meal.

I've only done Disneyland once (one full week) and the food was roughly equal quality but everything was ice cold.